An exploratory laparotomy is an open surgery usually performed by a general or trauma surgeon in a hospital under general anesthesia. The surgery can be done in adults and children, and may be performed emergently (e.g., for a life-threatening acute abdomen or abdominal trauma) or electively (e.g., to evaluate chronic abdominal pain).
https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-is-an-exploratory-laparotomy-surgery-3157278

